Who: The top 34 surfers in the world, joined by a trials winner and sponsor wildcard.

Known as the “heaviest wave in the world” Teahupo‘o strikes fear into the hearts of even the most hardcore of chargers. A heaving reef break located on the isolated southern tip of Tahiti, swells born in Antarctica come roaring in unimpeded by a continental shelf and seem to trip over themselves as they hit the reef. The result of all that energy is a sometimes grotesque and terrifying mutant of a wave that borders on being rideable—and that’s why we love it.

The Favorites
•Kelly Slater is an obvious favorite—he’s won the event four times and has dropped a perfect heat out there.
•John John Florence has to be considered a threat out at the grinding barrels as well, nobody charges harder and is more comfortable out there. He reminds us of the late, great Andy Irons. See below for his thoughts on the event…
•The Hobgood bros have been standouts at Teahupo‘o for years, expect one of them to be in the final.
•Parko and Mick Fanning have put in the time and their results show.
•Owen Wright is overdue for a big result, don’t be surprised to see him on the podium.
•Gabriel Medina is in the same boat as Owen, expect a breakthrough performance at “Chopes.”